SHELDRICK FALLS AND SHIMBA EXCURSION REVIEW
If you hadn’t known this yet Kenya took a complete toll on my health. I’m not sure if it was the food, the malaria tablets, or even anxiety, but I was sick every other day. I knew I was going to leave Mombasa without taking part in a Safari or any other trip for that matter as I had planned this holiday well in advance.
So we headed down to Mombasa Beach where we met Martin. Martin greeted and approached us with great respect and care, introducing us to all of his tours that were available. He offered us a brochure to keep if we weren’t ready to decide there and then. There were a variety of excursions, tours, safaris, and so much more.
I was a little hesitant simply because I kept getting sick, but I couldn’t let this ruin my holiday.After a bit of deliberating, we all agreed to do a short safari which included the waterfall visit. The short safari consisted of a game drive through Shimba Hills, a 5km hike to Sheldrick Falls Waterfall, a 5km hike back, lunch and a swim at the local restaurant.
We were accompanied by an armed ranger, who took us both there and back. Martin picked us up from our apartment, and drove us to our destination- Shimba Hills. After a few hours, our car cross the ocean via ferry and we continued our drive.
THE GAME DRIVE BEGINS…
Martin stopped at the entrance gates and communicated with the staff at Shimba Hills. Shortly after, we were encouraged to use the bathroom and I’m so glad we did. A combination of the heat, my illness, the medication was taking hold of my stomach! So the toilet break before we began was more than necessary.
We spotted monkeys, antelopes, impalas, and zebras. We saw some Elephant poop so we knew there could have walked up our way, but as it was a short safari, we knew we wouldn’t get to see the Elephants. The drive was smooth and Martin opened the roof of our Safari Car so we could see clearly and take photos. Our driver Stephen was also very accommodating.
After the game drive, it was time to meet the ranger. He prepped us and made sure we stayed together as a team. Our hike began at 10.00am and we walked through the jungle. Sweat poured from all over me, as the sun was basking upon my back and face. I couldn’t tell how long it took us, but I remember almost falling into a swamp! (So be careful!)
We finally made it to Sheldrick Falls and our view was absolutely stunning – my pictures alone does it NO justice. You’d have to see this beautiful waterfall in reality. We got underdressed and took our time before immersing ourselves completely in the water under the falls. It was one of the best experiences to date.
The water was so refreshing, my skin was glowing. It wasn’t freezing, just cold enough to fill us with energy for the dreaded hike back.
Some of us worked up quite an appetite, but after the dreadful hike back I felt sick. I guess I wasn’t physically fit enough for this hike because I’m not sure if I had a panic attack, I was out of breath, or if I just felt sick, but the hike back was something I’m not so sure I could do again. It was hard.
A Taste of Kenya at Shimba Hills Lodge
After our waterfall experience we headed back to our safari van which brought us up 15 minutes to the restaurant, at the Shimba Hills Lodge. We were given a menu and offered a three course meal which was included in the ticket price. Drinks were our responsibility. We chose our meals, and were invited to swim in their pool afterwards, which we declined as we were way too tired.
We headed back to the van for a long drive back to our villa to enjoy the rest of the evening.
Overall, this was one of the best excursions I have ever experienced! It was a 10/10. (Minus the hike back) but it’s something I’d most definitely recommend, especially with Martin. Martin took care of us right from the beginning to the end.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and if you do visit with Martin, tell me how your trip went! Don’t forget to Join my mailing list for your FREE travel hack cheat sheet, and TWO FREE itineraries, and also to be the first to know when our next post goes live!
Have you checked out our Top Ten Best Things To Do In Mombasa?
With Love,
Siobhan Patrina
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